FROM STAFF REPORTS

The fourth annual Sebastian Lemos Run/Walk for a Cure will be held in Mt Laurel on Sept. 15.

The walk will be held in honor of Sebastian Lemos and his three-year battle against cancer. All of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Alabama.

Though Sebastian died at age 7, he impacted many lives, especially those who went to preschool with him at Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy. Those students are now in middle school, and Sebastian would have been in seventh grade this year.

“Even though Sebastian lost his battle with cancer, he still lives in our hearts,” classmate Jasmine Cooper said. “His sense of fun, strength and courage was the most outstanding example of life,” Bela Patel added.

Another classmate, Elizabeth Bray, said, “Though Sebastian had cancer, he never wanted attention or sympathy from anyone. In fact, Sebastian was the opposite. He just wanted to be treated like us. Sebastian always helped others whenever they needed help; I want to do the same.”

JBMA parent Lisa Singer, the main coordinator for Sebastian’s Run/Walk for years, said, “When Sebastian and his sister were preschool students at Bruno Montessori, his sudden cancer diagnosis had a major impact on our school community. For us parents, it was a wake up call that we need to live in the day and enjoy every moment we have with our children. As a community, it was a rallying point that brought us together for a good cause.”

The JMBA invites the public to help honor Sebastian as it raises money for childhood cancer and blood disease. In the four years of Sebastian’s Run/Walk, more than $45,000 has been raised due to generous donations.

The event is an opportunity not only to honor Sebastian, but to help others in the fight against childhood cancer. Anyone interested is welcome to join the event and can participate as an individual, part of a group of friends, or as part of a team that can be registered online. Registration is $25 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and younger. Sponsorship opportunities and online registration can be found at Sebastiansrunwalk.org. More information is available by contacting Shelley Scott at shelley.scott@childrensal.org or calling 205.638.9007.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K Run/Walk begins at 8:30. The one-mile Kids’ Fun Run/Family Walk begins at 10 a.m.